RT Tower Arch

A massive sandstone arch perched on a rocky fin above a maze of cliffs, towers, and desert formations, offering one of the most secluded and dramatic viewpoints in the park.

General Information

Length:

3.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 650 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate

Hours:

Open 24 hours daily as part of Arches National Park; hiking is recommended during daylight hours

Fees:

Arches National Park entrance fees apply:
Private Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
Individual (walk-in/bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
America the Beautiful and other federal passes accepted

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on the trail

Closest cities with hotels:

Moab (22 mi)

Seasons:

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit; the trail is accessible year-round

Location:

www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Tower+Arch+Trailhead+Arches+National+Park+UT" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tower Arch Trailhead, Arches National Park, UT

Website:

anyourvisit/tower-arch.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/tower-arch.htm

How to Get There

From Moab (22 mi): Enter Arches National Park via US-191, follow the park road north to Salt Valley Road, continue on the unpaved road to the Klondike Bluffs area, and proceed to the Tower Arch Trailhead parking area.

Overview

The Tower Arch trail leads visitors into one of the quieter corners of Arches National Park, far from the crowds that gather at many of the park's more famous landmarks. Hidden within the Klondike Bluffs region, the massive arch spans a rugged sandstone landscape marked by fins, isolated towers, and weather-sculpted rock formations. Reaching the arch requires a moderately strenuous hike across slickrock, sandy washes, and rocky terrain, but the reward is an impressive natural structure framed by dramatic desert scenery. The relative isolation of the area creates a sense of discovery that recalls the earliest explorations of Utah's canyon country.

The surrounding landscape showcases the geologic forces that have shaped the Colorado Plateau over millions of years. Along the route, hikers encounter striking views of sandstone cliffs, distant mountain ranges, and unusual formations carved by wind and water erosion. The arch itself rises from a cluster of towering rock walls, creating a spectacular setting for photography and quiet contemplation. Because the trail receives fewer visitors than many of the park's signature destinations, it offers an opportunity to experience the grandeur of Arches National Park in a more peaceful and immersive environment.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/tower-arch.htm, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.